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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Belcan

Defense - Program Manager Senior III

Warren, MI · On-site

$56.36 - $73/hr

Defense - Program Manager Senior III Location: Warren, MI Zip Code: 48088 Pay Rate: $56.36 - $73/hr. Keyword's: #Warrenjobs; #ProgramManagerjobs ; Start Date: Immediate We provide a competitive pay ...

Roush

Program Manager

Livonia, MI · On-site

... the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... As a Program Manager, you will: * Manage business aspects of multiple concurrent programs and ...

Roush

Program Manager

Livonia, MI

... the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... The Program Manager will oversee multiple programs and teams, guiding projects from initial quote ...

Waltonen

Program Manager

Warren, MI · On-site

Waltonen is actively seeking a Program Manager to join our team! Job Responsibilities * Monitor ... As a trusted engineering company, we serve the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries with ...

Waltonen

Program Manager

Warren, MI · On-site

Waltonen is actively seeking a Program Manager to join our team! Job Responsibilities * Monitor ... As a trusted engineering company, we serve the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries with ...

ROUSH

Program Manager

Livonia, MI · On-site

... the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... As a Program Manager, you will: * Manage business aspects of multiple concurrent programs and ...

ROUSH

Program Manager

Allen Park, MI · On-site

... the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... The Program Manager will manage multiple programs and teams to ensure program goals are achieved.

ROUSH

Program Manager

Allen Park, MI · On-site

... the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... The Program Manager will manage multiple programs and teams to ensure program goals are achieved.

ROUSH

Program Manager

Livonia, MI · On-site

... the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... As a Program Manager, you will: * Manage business aspects of multiple concurrent programs and ...

ROUSH

Program Manager

Livonia, MI · On-site

... the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... The Program Manager will oversee multiple programs and teams, guiding projects from initial quote ...

ROUSH

Program Manager

Livonia, MI · On-site

... the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... The Program Manager will oversee multiple programs and teams, guiding projects from initial quote ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsProgram Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense Jobs in Detroit, MI

Program Manager Defense information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$38.1K

$106.4K

$155.4K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Detroit, MI is $106,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $131,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program manager defense?

A Program Manager in Defense is responsible for overseeing and coordinating large-scale defense projects, which may involve military equipment, technology systems, or defense-related services. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet all specified requirements and regulations. This role often includes working with cross-functional teams, managing contracts, and liaising with government agencies or military branches. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential, as is a thorough understanding of defense industry standards and protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program manager defense?

To thrive as a Program Manager in Defense, you need a strong background in project management, defense acquisition processes, and often a relevant degree such as engineering or business, with security clearance frequently required. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), and DoD-specific platforms, as well as certifications like PMP or DAWIA, are typically expected. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills set top performers apart by enabling them to manage diverse teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure effective project execution, compliance with defense regulations, and successful delivery of critical programs within scope, budget, and timeline.

What are some common challenges a program manager defense faces when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Program Managers in the defense industry often encounter challenges such as balancing strict security requirements with timely project delivery, managing cross-functional teams that include engineers, analysts, and government stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with evolving defense regulations. Navigating complex stakeholder expectations and adapting to shifting project scopes are also frequent hurdles. Successful Program Managers proactively foster communication across teams and maintain detailed project documentation to address these challenges.

What is the difference between Program Manager Defense vs Project Manager Defense?

AspectProgram Manager DefenseProject Manager Defense
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple related projects, strategic planning, and overall program successManages individual projects, ensuring specific objectives are met within scope, time, and budget
CertificationsTypically PMP, PgMP, or similar certificationsUsually PMP or CAPM certifications
Work EnvironmentOften in defense contractors, government agencies, or military settingsSimilar environments, focusing on specific project deliverables
FocusStrategic coordination and long-term goalsTactical execution of individual projects

While both roles require project management skills and certifications like PMP, the Program Manager Defense oversees multiple projects and aligns them with strategic objectives, whereas the Project Manager Defense focuses on managing specific projects to meet immediate goals.

What are popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs in Detroit, MI?

For Program Manager Defense jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,382 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Program Manager - Defense & Mission Systems

Gonzalez Group

Pontiac, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Program Manager - Defense & Mission Systems


Position Summary:

The Program Manager - Defense & Mission Systems is responsible for the successful execution and overall performance of strategic customer programs from contract award through final customer acceptance and project closeout. Serving as the primary customer interface, this role has full accountability for program execution, financial performance, schedule, quality, risk management, and cross-functional leadership while ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, and customer-specific requirements. The Program Manager leads integrated teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Controls Engineering, Field Service, and Operations to deliver complex defense, aerospace, automation, and mission-critical manufacturing solutions supporting national security and advanced technology programs.


Primary Responsibilities:
  • Manage the full program lifecycle from contract award through customer acceptance and project closeout.
  • Serve as the primary customer interface, building trusted relationships and leading program reviews, executive meetings, and technical discussions.
  • Lead transition from Sales/Estimating to Program Execution to ensure complete contract understanding and a successful kickoff.
  • Own program financial performance including revenue, gross margin, forecasting, cost-to-complete, cash flow, and approved change management.
  • Develop and maintain integrated program schedules, budgets, manpower plans, procurement strategies, and resource allocations.
  • Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Controls Engineering, Quality, Field Service, Installation, and Operations to meet program objectives.
  • Manage contract requirements, statements of work, technical deliverables, assumptions, exclusions, and customer-directed changes.
  • Develop and maintain program risk registers and mitigation plans addressing technical, schedule, supplier, commercial, quality, and customer risks.
  • Monitor supplier performance, long-lead materials, and critical procurement activities.
  • Lead executive program reviews and provide KPI, schedule, financial, and risk reporting.
  • Support design reviews, manufacturing readiness reviews, FAT, SAT, first article activities, and customer acceptance events.
  • Ensure compliance with AS9100, ITAR, EAR, DFARS, NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, and customer-specific requirements.
  • Provide leadership, coaching, and accountability across cross-functional teams.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related discipline is preferred. Candidates with equivalent knowledge, skills, technical training, military service, certifications, and directly applicable experience are encouraged to apply.
  • 7+ years of program or project management experience required; 10+ years preferred in defense, aerospace, automation, or advanced manufacturing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Experience managing complex DoD/DoW, aerospace, or high-complexity manufacturing programs.
  • Knowledge of FAR/DFARS contracting environments and government flow-down requirements.
  • Working knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, EAR, DFARS, NIST SP 800-171, and CMMC.
  • Experience with AGVs, AMRs, robotics, MES, SCADA, industrial automation, or factory integration preferred.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
  • Experience with ERP systems such as Accumatica, Epicor, Oracle, or similar.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent scheduling tools.
  • Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, customer relationship, and organizational skills.
  • PMP certification preferred.
  • DoD/DoW and/or Prime Contractor program experience preferred.
  • Former military service preferred (active duty, reserve, guard, or civilian support).
  • Willingness to travel domestically to customer, supplier, and company facilities as required to support program execution; anticipated travel is minimal.

Success Metrics:
  • Programs delivered on schedule and within budget.
  • Programs achieve or exceed gross margin objectives.
  • High customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Accurate forecasting and proactive risk management.
  • Successful customer acceptance and compliant program execution.

Authority:
  • Acts as the primary decision-maker for day-to-day program execution.
  • Coordinates resources across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations.
  • Recommends staffing adjustments, recovery plans, and contract modifications to executive leadership.
  • Escalates significant technical, commercial, schedule, or compliance risks as appropriate.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to access office and manufacturing environments.
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, crouch, and inspect equipment and processes.
  • Ability to wear required PPE.
  • Ability to lift and carry light office-related items.

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